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KUPI Texaco Country Showdown tonight

BLACKFOOT — Lyle Albertson and his Strait Country Band will perform as the backup band for the local winners of the KUPI Texaco Country Showdown from 7—8:30 p.m. tonight on the West Events Free Stage at the Eastern Idaho State Fair (EISF).
Albertson and his band have been performing up and down the valley and in surrounding states "for about a hundred years," he said.
Albertson and his band have produced three cd's—"Cowboys Like Us," "Just for Friends," and "My Own Stuff," that is made up of Albertson's original songs.
"My favorite song is 'I Just Want to Dance with You' by George Strait," Albertson said. "It's the purest song I know because of what it says."
The Texaco Country Showdown is the largest and longest-running country music talent search. This year marks its 30th anniversary.
"Garth Brooks went through this process," Albertson said.
To compete in the state contest at the EISF, contestants have won contests sponsored by local country music radio stations. In the Idaho state competition, contestants hale from Boise, Lewiston, Moscow, Montpelier and Idaho Falls.
Winners at the state level claim a $1,000 prize, the state title and the opportunity to advance to one of five regional finals.
Winners at the regional level will perform at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. The grand prize is $100,000, the national title and a chance for these performers to launch their professional music careers.